Audi Unveils Plans for Self-Driving Car by 2021
Sticking to its slogan “Advancement through technology,” Audi has promised to launch a fully self-driving car by 2021. The small city car will likely be produced in limited numbers for trial use rather than direct sale to the public. Nevertheless, the target date is a big step for the automaker, which hinted at a self-driving car with the unveiling of the Urban concept car at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show (pictured above).
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Tasked with developing self-driving technology for the Volkswagen group, Audi established the Autonomous Intelligent Driving unit in March 2017. The new unit is focused on bringing the automaker’s “Piloted Driving“ technology to fruition.
The public won’t have to wait until 2021 to see Audi’s self-driving capabilities, however. In June, the automaker revealed a redesigned Audi A8 sedan, the first Audi model that offers Level 3 driving capabilities, meaning that the car will be able to handle itself in certain situations and will provide drivers with a semi-autonomous experience.
The 2021 model will likely be a Level 4 car, meaning it will be able to handle itself in certain situations while also safely stopping itself should the driver fail to respond. This ability to safely and independently brake is the key difference between level 3 and 4 cars. Ultimately, level 5 is the goal. A self-driving car at this level can handle itself in all situations and needs no driver on board.
Audi’s announcement is an exciting development in the world of self-driving technology and only solidifies its position as an automaker on the forefront of innovation. To learn more about what Audi has to offer you today (or take one for a test drive), call, contact us online, or visit us in person at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 today.
Image Credit: Audi